Lead Engineer - Powertrain Controls Embedded Software

Group Lotus; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car scheme

25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays

Performance Bonus

Future-Proof Pension

Private Healthcare

Job summary

Group Lotus is seeking a powertrain controls engineer at their Hethel plant in the UK. The role focuses on developing capabilities in the Lotus powertrain controls department, requiring significant experience with manual C-code software for engine management systems. Responsibilities include designing control systems, leading smaller projects, and technical documentation. We provide a hybrid working model, access to a company car scheme, performance bonuses, and private healthcare to support our team.

Qualifications

• Significant experience with authoring manual C-code for combustion engine management systems.
• Understanding of automotive legislative requirements.
• Self-reliant and takes responsibility for project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop powertrain control algorithms for engine management systems.
• Adhere to engineering processes and develop new processes.
• Lead technical aspects of client programmes.

Skills

C-code authoring

Powertrain controls

Calibration development tools

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Engineering degree / HNC or equivalent

Tools

Calibration tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Summary

The purpose of this role is to develop the capabilities of the Lotus powertrain controls department, to deliver the Lotus programmes and Lotus Engineering client objectives & to provide technical input and direction to the department. Occasional travel may be required throughout the UK & Europe for testing or supplier and client visits.

What You’ll Do

• Significant experience with authoring manual C‑code software, ideally for combustion engine management systems and possibly transmission control systems.
• Creating control algorithm specifications, implementation, validation criteria and test.
• Designing engine control systems to satisfy the emissions and performance objectives of the project.
• Implementing software functions from customer requirements, including unit test and initial calibration.
• Creating and modifying calibration procedures for new or developing control algorithms.
• Adhering to existing engineering processes, as well as developing and implementing new processes to support the project and departmental objectives.
• Understanding & calibrating the engine control algorithms, using appropriate calibration tools.
• Investigating and resolving issues relating to engine and/or transmission control.
• Developing solutions relating to the integration of powertrain control systems within the whole vehicle electrical architecture.
• Carrying out vehicle and engine controls system development to Lotus or client development processes.
• Preparing for and attending offsite testing and climatic test trips if required.
• Supporting manufacturing and after‑sales departments with issues relating to powertrain controls and integration.
• Leading technical aspects of smaller projects or client programmes.
• Issuing reports on development work undertaken and providing input to status reports.
• Performing and co‑ordinating technical aspects of Powertrain projects.
• Preparing Powertrain technical documentation, including reports and presentation material.
• Providing guidance on implementation and calibration of control algorithms.
• Providing technical input to proposals for new projects.
• Scheduling, supervising, amending, and correlating results from emission test work.
• Providing technical input for specifying an application ECU, I/O for new systems.
• Supporting the Chief Engineer or Executive Engineer at supplier or customer visits.
• Assisting with the career development of department engineers and junior engineers.
• Implementing and adhering to health & safety regulations.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Engineering degree / HNC or equivalent experience.
• High level of ability to author manual C‑code to industry standards (MISRA).
• Thorough understanding of powertrain controls strategy and software development.
• Thorough understanding of automotive legislative requirements.
• High level PC skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).
• Familiarity with calibration development tools and techniques.
• Automotive powertrain experience, with recent experience of delivering hand C‑code and aspects of calibration.
• Outgoing/confident nature and ability to work as part of a team.
• Self‑reliant and self‑starting – takes responsibility for overall delivery and ownership of projects and tasks to completion.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication & leadership skills.

Desirable

• Engineering degree, masters, PhD. Membership of appropriate institution (IMechE).
• Knowledge of advanced powertrain developments, with an emphasis on legislative emissions & OBD in high performance, low volume, niche applications.
• Advanced combustion analysis and calibration tools, such as DoE and calibration management tools.
• Calibration background, thorough understanding of the calibration process.
• Recent delivery of programs at a senior level within a calibration department.
• Thorough understanding of combustion engine development.

What We Offer

• We provide access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS) to make your commutes smoother.
• 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge‑watch your favourite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.
• Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non‑contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.
• Future‑Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
• Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress‑free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.
• We work hybrid, meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you're needed there.

Additional Information

• This role will be working from our Hethel plant within our flexible working policy.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in UK without visa sponsorship.